Two tries from returning skipper Gareth Widdop has helped the Dragons eke out a 16-12 win over a determined Wests Tigers outfit at ANZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon with Origin stars Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell, James Tedesco and Aaron Woods all performing strongly.

The brutality of the State of Origin series opener might have forced star playmakers Mitchell Pearce and Anthony Milford out of Saturday night's heavyweight clash between the Roosters and Broncos, but the sides produced their own interstate classic with the Sydneysiders holding on for a gutsy 18-16 win at Allianz Stadium.

They dominated field position and possession, but the Cowboys struggled to put the Titans away on Saturday night in Townsville. Coen Hess continued his push for an Origin debut for Queensland with another try close to the line.